Wellbeing and Community Spirit at the Heart of 2025 Fred Harris Education Award

Redruth Charity Trust’s Fred Harris Education Award continues to support literacy and encourage community spirit across Redruth’s ten primary schools — with brand-new books delivered for pupils and special honours for stand-out Year 6 leavers.

This year’s scheme included additional support through the Tesco Blue Token Stronger Starts Scheme, which saw RCT chosen by local shoppers to receive the top award of £1,500. The funding was directed to the Trust’s Wellbeing Books for Schools initiative, enabling an expanded focus on emotional literacy and pastoral support.

Working closely with Trustee Kerrie Moyle, each school selected reading and library books based on their pupils’ needs and interests — ready to welcome children back in the autumn term. This year, RCT supplemented those choices with carefully selected wellbeing titles, supporting themes such as resilience, inclusion and mental health.

In the final week of term, RCT Trustees visited all ten schools to deliver the books, meet staff and pupils, and celebrate another year of collaboration.

Chris Hailey, Chair of Trustees, said:

As part of the award, ten Year 6 students were also recognised for making a difference to their school and community. Each pupil was nominated by their teachers and presented with a certificate and a £50 voucher, providing a thoughtful and memorable send-off as they prepare for secondary school.

Twenty years on from its conception in 2005, the Fred Harris Education Award remains focused on enriching school libraries and celebrating pupils who go above and beyond for their school communities.

Meet the 2025 Fred Harris Education Award Winners…

Treleigh School – Ethan Dawes

We are proud to recognise Ethan as the recipient of this year’s Fred Harris Award. Since joining our Treleigh community, Ethan has faced significant learning challenges, but his resilience, positivity, and joyful spirit have been nothing short of inspirational. Always smiling, consistently optimistic, and deeply loved by everyone, Ethan truly represents the best of our school community. He has taught us all so much — not just about learning, but about life. Through his example, Ethan reminds us daily of the power of patience, understanding, and kindness. His infectious energy lights up every room and warms every heart, and in doing so, he has quietly led us all — by example — in how to embrace each day with a smile. Ethan’s impact goes beyond the classroom. He has contributed to our wider community through his involvement in Scouting, and he has also been a proud supporter of school events in the local community, helping to strengthen the bond between Treleigh and the world around us. Ethan has been an integral part of Treleigh, embodying our values of Every Child, Every Day, Every Chance. No barrier has ever been too great. Whether contributing meaningfully to our curriculum, taking part in daily school life, or even confidently joining his year group on a trip to London, Ethan continues to rise to every occasion. He is fully deserving of this recognition. Ethan has brought something truly irreplaceable to our school — a presence that has enriched us all, and for which we are deeply thankful. Congratulations, Ethan. We are so proud of you.

Curnow School – Alfie Walker

Alfie is an engaging young man who spreads joy to everyone that he meets.  He has been a part of both Curnow and Chacewater School communities throughout his primary schooling, through a dual placement.  Having Alfie at Chacewater School has not only benefitted Alfie’s social, emotional and educational development but has had an extremely positive effect on his classmates.  They have been able to get to know Alfie over the years, learning about difference and diversity through the friendships they have made with him.  In addition the headteacher at Chacewater has really learned to use his ‘loud voice’ while Alfie attempts to outdo him in whole school assemblies!

Alfie also joins integrated sessions with the children from Curnow and Illogan School.  His is helping the children from Illogan to learn how others communicate and interact in their own unique ways whilst Alfie participates in activities with them that he loves.

Thank you Alfie for being a true ambassador for both schools!

Pencoys Primary School – Ray Hatherly

Ray has made a truly positive impact on both the school and the wider community through their exceptional behaviour, dedication, and kindness. Always well-behaved and hardworking, they approach every aspect of the curriculum with enthusiasm and a strong work ethic. Ray’s willingness to help others—whether supporting classmates or assisting children across the school—demonstrates a caring and compassionate nature that sets a wonderful example for others.

Beyond the classroom, Ray is actively involved in the community for example helping at the Pencoys Community Gardening mornings. Outside of school, they regularly offer help to those in need, showing a genuine commitment to making a difference. Ray’s involvement in sports is equally impressive; as a valued member of the school football team and a participant in surf life-saving.

Pennoweth Primary School – Jacob Gilham

Jacob G has made a lasting impact on our school through his quiet leadership, kindness and unwavering sense of responsibility. He is one of those rare individuals who just gets it – he sees what needs to be done and does it, not for recognition, but because it’s the right thing to do. The way he supports our younger pupils is nothing short of heartwarming; whether helping tie a shoelace, offering words of encouragement, or guiding them through a tricky moment, Jacob is there, calm, caring and dependable. As a tribal leader, he takes his responsibilities seriously, leading by example and showing younger pupils what it means to be a role model.

Beyond school, Jacob has proudly represented Redruth Rugby Club, demonstrating his commitment, teamwork and willingness to get stuck in. He is always ready to try new things, approaches challenges with determination, and has overcome significant barriers in his learning with resilience and hard work. His progress this year has been remarkable, and it is a testament to his unwavering positive attitude. Jacob is the epitome of our school DNA – always doing the right thing, at the right time, for the right reason. We are incredibly proud of him, and there is no doubt he is a truly deserving recipient of the Fred Harris Award.

Trewirgie Junior School – Isla Clarke

Our Trewirgie motto is ‘My Best Always’ – this couldn’t describe Isla’s effort more!

This young lady is intelligent, kind, caring and never fails to represent our school with skill and pride. Her dedication to her studies is admirable, resulting in super outcomes across the curriculum, as well as an ability to explain her understanding with great eloquence and maturity. Alongside this, her calm and patient demeanour mean that not only is she a good friend to many, she is a role model to others, often displaying maturity beyond her years.

A keen athlete and an all-round sporting superstar, Isla has represented the school on many occasions, which include gymnastics, netball, basketball, rugby, athletics & cross country. In every one of these activities, she has never failed to give her best, as well as look to support her peers at every turn. Her selflessness, kind nature and drive mean that she is both an effective team player, as well as being a strong leader.

In her role as a ‘Maths Champion’, Isla has shown her flair for the subject, alongside supporting pupils from across the year groups. Recently, alongside another pupil, she created mathematical problems, presented these and then taught the concepts – what a star! Likewise, her work is of a extremely high calibre across all subjects, leading to beautifully presented and effective writing opportunities, as well as a flair in topic-based or creative subjects.

We have no doubt that this talented young lady will go on to achieve great things in her secondary journey and beyond.

Congratulations, Isla!

Treloweth Primary School – Joshua Davidson

Joshua is a student whose positive impact is felt across all areas of school and community life. As a trusted House Captain and librarian, he carries out his responsibilities with diligence and integrity, earning the respect of both peers and adults. He is consistently reliable, mature, and thoughtful—qualities that make him a go-to person for students and staff alike.

Joshua participates fully in school life, always willing to help and support others. Whether it’s mentoring younger pupils, helping teachers prepare events, or encouraging classmates, he does so with quiet confidence and kindness. He never seeks recognition for his efforts, but his calm, considerate nature and consistent support do not go unnoticed.

He takes initiative and sets ambitious personal goals, including taking on the Conqueror Virtual Challenge, during which he has walked thousands of miles—a powerful example of his self-discipline and determination. Joshua shows real drive and commitment in all he does, always following through on what he sets out to achieve.

Outside of school, Joshua is actively involved in several community groups. He plays for Redruth Rugby Club, where he was proudly awarded Most Improved Player, not only for his skills but for his sportsmanship and encouragement of less experienced players. He brings the same positive spirit to his involvement with local Cubs and Scouts, helping to lead and inspire others through teamwork and shared challenges.

Joshua also excels in martial arts, having achieved an advanced red belt and been invited to begin coaching others—another example of the trust placed in his abilities and character.

A high achiever in both academics and extracurricular activities, Joshua embodies the values of respect, resilience, and responsibility. His modesty, kindness, and willingness to support everyone around him—from classmates to the Head Teacher—make him a valued and much-admired member of the school community.

Joshua is a natural role model who inspires through action rather than words. His consistent positivity, leadership, and drive set a shining example for others to follow.

St Day and Carharrack Primary School – Reece Evans

Reece has been an exceptional member of our school community since his very first days in Reception. From the beginning, he has demonstrated a genuine love of learning and an insatiable curiosity about the world around him. His enthusiasm and maturity have always made him a wonderful ambassador for our school.

As he has progressed through the years, Reece has embraced every opportunity to get involved in school life. Most notably, he has played a key role as a Rights Respecting Changemaker, championing the values that lie at the heart of our school. His kindness, thoughtfulness, and caring nature have touched the lives of pupils and staff alike.

Reece has truly embodied our school values: Enjoy, Engage, Excel. He has excelled in all areas of school life and leaves behind a legacy of positivity, leadership, and compassion. He will be greatly missed by everyone, and we are incredibly proud of the young person he has become.

We wish Reece every success and happiness in the exciting journey ahead.

Lanner Primary School – Darcy Jardine

It has been an absolute joy and privilege to teach Darcy this year. She is, quite simply, fabulous in every way— a shining example of what it means to be a kind, motivated, and well-rounded learner.
Darcy approaches every task with enthusiasm, curiosity, and always with a smile. Whether in maths, writing, science, or our Peter Pan production, she consistently produces work of the highest standard, always taking pride in what she does: a wonderful example to others.
Equally impressive is Darcy’s emotional intelligence and empathy. She is thoughtful, inclusive, and supportive of her peers, always one of the first to offer help or encouragement in her role as a play leader.
Throughout her time at Lanner, Darcy has left a lasting mark on our school community. I have no doubt that she will thrive as she moves on to Redruth school. You, Darcy, are a very worthy Fred Harris Award winner!

Portreath School – Evelyn Meredith

It has been an absolute pleasure to have Evelyn as a member of our school for the past few years –it has been wonderful to be part of her journey to become a confident, caring and supportive young person who has a fantastic growth mindset and works diligently to always do her absolute best. During this school year she has taken on the role of School Ambassador, fulfilling the role perfectly and being a massive help to all members of staff . Evelyn has also been an active and enthusiastic member of the Crofty Eco Council and has also been a school council member. She has also represented the school in football, netball, swimming, gym, cross country and as part of the school choir at Songfest. On top of all this, Evelyn has also been an excellent role model as a buddy to a child in reception.

Outside of school she is an active member of Portreath Surf Life Saving, Nippers Club and plays in the Cornwall Under 11s tennis team. She also plays the piano and has recently passed her Grade 1.

Evelyn can be relied upon volunteer to help anyone throughout the school  – children and staff alike .

We are very proud of Evelyn and all that she has achieved so far; we look forward to following her success as she moves on to secondary school.